05/23/2026
I get asked dog behavior and training questions constantly, both online and in real life, so I figured I might as well start sharing the questions alongside my responses for those who follow us.
Not because I think I know everything. Lord knows dogs humble all of us eventually. 😅 But because behavior work is nuanced, context matters, and a lot of owners are overwhelmed, embarrassed, scared, or getting conflicting advice that makes situations worse instead of better.
A huge part of behavior work is learning to understand WHAT the dog is actually communicating before humans accidentally escalate things through fear, frustration, inconsistency, flooding, or unrealistic expectations.
So if sharing real-world scenarios and my thought process helps people better understand dogs, nervous systems, arousal stacking, confidence building, neutrality, structure, or even just makes somebody feel less alone dealing with a difficult dog, then I think that is worthwhile.
I am not interested in perfection, influencer nonsense, or pretending every dog is the same. I am interested in practical, ethical, real-world behavior work that actually helps dogs and the humans living with them.
And honestly? Sometimes humor helps everybody breathe while learning. 😆
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Honestly, this is WAY more common in shepherds than people realize, especially young ones. A lot of “water dogs” are not actually born loving water. Many do not become confident with it until 6-12 months old, once their confidence, coordination, and environmental stability mature more.
Right now, I would stop trying to make bath time “happen” all at once because he is already telling you his nervous system is overwhelmed.
The biting, barking, and trying to flee sounds much more like panic/fear than aggression.
A few things that may help:
• Stop flooding him with water
Do NOT just hold him there while he panics, hoping he “gets used to it.” That usually makes fear worse.
• Make water neutral first
No bath. No scrubbing. No pressure. Let him explore shallow water on HIS terms.
• Kiddie pools are fantastic
Put literally an inch or two of water in there with toys, treats, bubbles, flirt pole games, etc. Let him choose engagement.
• Use a cup or a wet washcloth first
A lot of dogs panic more from spraying/running water than the actual wet feeling.
• Pair water with play
Some shepherds do WAY better if water becomes part of a game instead of “the terrifying human torture ritual.”
• Keep sessions SHORT
Tiny successful reps beat one giant stressful battle.
• Avoid chasing/cornering him
That can create defensive behavior fast in sensitive pups.
Also, Amish farm shepherds can be a mixed bag genetically and environmentally. Some are wonderfully stable. Some are under-socialized or environmentally sensitive from the start. That does NOT mean he is doomed. It just means confidence-building matters a lot with this breed.
And honestly? He still looks very baby-brained to me in this picture. He has that “I have concerns about this entire situation” face. 😅
One weird thing I have noticed over the years is that a lot of shepherds suddenly decide water is AMAZING somewhere after that 6-month mark. I do not know if it is confidence, body awareness, prey/play drive maturing, or just shepherd weirdness, but I have seen it MANY times.
